Overhaul policing system: Experts

Most experts HT talked to were united in demanding increasing the strength of the police force and ensuring the police look only after investigation and maintaining law and order, Faizan Haider and Neelam Pandey report.

Most experts HT talked to were united in demanding increasing the strength of the police force and ensuring the police look only after investigation and maintaining law and order.

Most experts wanted a complete overhaul of the system. "Why has the Delhi Police Bill not been enacted so far? This bill contains several suggestions such as separation of investigation from odd jobs so that police secure common people, which would have changed the system," said Prakash Singh, former DGP.

“The number of PCR vans needs to be increased as their presence deters criminals. Many suggestions can be made but one has to follow them to make a difference,” Singh added.

A retired cop, who requested anonymity, said a top politician has over 200 police personnel for his security. “It is ridiculous to have 200 men securing a single man. These jobs should be given to paramilitary forces. It is time to segregate the nature of work,” he added.

Former senior police officers said technical surveillance needed to be enhanced. “In my tenure, I had written to the transport ministry to install cameras in Delhi Transport Corporation buses. Private buses shouldn’t be given permits if they don't have a camera and a Global Positioning System,” said BK Gupta, former Delhi Police chief.

Another senior officer said in most developing countries, one will not find any traffic police on the roads as they have cameras that capture crimes. “If that happens, our 6,000-odd traffic police personnel can be pressed into maintaining law and order in the city,” he added.